Voters in Jaffna, the cultural capital of Tamils largely abstained from voting in the first “post war” elections in Sri Lanka., held on August 8th. Their participation was a historic low in a country where voting is well above fifty percent normally. Tamil party ITAK had openly said it did not feel this was the right time for elections, with more than a quarter of a million Tamils still detained in nearby government camps and much of the north depopulated. Jaffna Municipal council elections registered less than 20% turnout and the ruling UPFA coalition won 10,602 votes obtaining 10 seats with 2 additional bonus seats, and Ilangkai Thamizh Arasuk Kadchi (ITAK) took 8 seats after polling 8008 votes. In the Vavuniyaa Urban Council elections, ITAK secured 5 seats with Democratic Peoples Liberation Front (DPLF) obtaining 3 seats, UPFA 2 seats, and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress 1 seat. Of the other parties contesting the Jaffna MC elections, Ananthasangaree led Tamil United Liberation Front polled 1,007 votes obtaining one seat, and Muslim Independent polled 1,175 votes obtaining one seat. UNP polled 83 votes and Independents led by Manickasothy polled 47 votes. 1,358 votes were rejected in the Jaffna polls. A report by BBC says there has not been much chance to scrutinize the conduct of the elections or the campaigns. Just as it did from the war zone, Sri Lanka government once again kept independent journalists out of the north, and even election monitors said information was hard to come by, according to BBC. Sri Lanka government hoped to make major victories in both municipal elections in the North and the results will be seen as will be seen as an “upset” BBC further said. Poll results indicate Tamils’ desire for self-rule, The Christian Science Monitor reported.
August 12, 2009
NEWCOMERS WANT MORE RELIABLE INFORMATION ABOUT NEW LIVES IN CANADA - RBC RESEARCH
Despite having access to multiple sources of information, many newcomers to Canada feel that they lack relevant and trustworthy information to help with decisions on their new lives in Canada, according to RBC research conducted recently in China and India with individuals poised to immigrate to Canada. “The people we spoke with in India and China indicated that they were often faced with conflicting and out of date information when researching their new lives in Canada and that this made them feel anxious,” said Andrea Metrick, head, Client Strategy and Multicultural Markets at RBC Royal Bank. To help alleviate these concerns, RBC Royal Bank today released a new guidebook “Understanding banking in Canada” to provide practical financial information for new immigrants at key stages of their move to Canada. The new guidebook helps newcomers make important financial decisions upon arrival, as they get settled and when they start planning for the future. “We undertook this research before new immigrants arrive in the country to understand what more we could do to help make their move to Canada easier,” Metrick added. “As part of our RBC Welcome to Canada banking package, the new guidebook will help newcomers better organize their financial priorities and is designed to complement the financial advice that a newcomer receives from their RBC advisor.” The RBC Welcome to Canada banking package includes a suite of banking products and services, coupled with financial advice, feewaivers, discounts and interest rate bonuses, tailored to meet the needs of newcomers who have been in Canada for less than three years. Information on moving to Canada, including financial advice and solutions can be found at RBC’s comprehensive web site for new Canadians at www.rbc.com /canada, accessible to consumers around the world. Details on the RBC Welcome to Canada banking package, the new “Understanding banking in Canada” guidebook, and branch locator that identifies representatives who speak a variety of languages, can be found at www.rbc.com/advicepackage .Telephone banking service is available in 150+ languages when calling 1-800 ROYAL 1-1 or dedicated service is available in Mandarin and Cantonese at 1-888 ROYAL 9-8. These are some of the findings of qualitative research conducted by Environics Research Group on behalf of RBC Royal Bank in March, 2009. Eight groups were consulted - two each in Shanghai and Beijing in China, and Delhi and Ludhiana in India. The cities were chosen based on immigration trends and RBC’s presence in China and India, the top two source countries of immigration to Canada in recent years. All group participants were those who had applied for immigration to Canada. There were 7 to 8 respondents participating in each group and each group was 2 hours in length.
Ontario ban on cell phones, handheld electronics for drivers takes effect in October
Keep your eyes on the road and your hands behind the wheel is the message Ontario wants to get across to motorists. The province has announced that Ontario’s ban on the use of cell phones, blackberrys and other handheld electronic devices by drivers will take effect this October. Transportation Minister Jim Bradley says motorists can expect an education period when the ban first comes into effect, which means police will show some leniency. If you’re caught using any handheld device behind the wheel you could face a fine of up to $500. Ontario is the fourth province to enact the ban following Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Manitoba has adopted a similar law. Drivers are also banned from using portable video games and DVD players but they’re allowed to use their cell phones for 911 calls. Global positioning systems (GPS’) are allowed as long as they’re properly fastened to the dashboard.
CANADIANS PAYING MORE ATTENTION
Six-in-ten Canadians kept a closer eye on their monthly expenditures in the past six months, according to the fourth annual RBC Account Habits Poll. “Canadians are reacting to the economic downturn by looking for ways to minimize expenses and maximize their earnings,” said Ashif Ratanshi, head, Branch Investments, Deposits and Direct Investing, RBC. “Looking at all your expenses - everything from how much you spend on coffee to finding out whether you qualify for free banking - and making changes where it makes sense, can really have an impact. Today, for example, almost half of RBC customers in Canada receive a rebate on their banking or bank for free.” According to the survey, 56 per cent say they have stopped buying non-essential items and 44 per cent are eating out less or bringing their lunch to work in an effort to save more. One-in-six young Canadians (aged 18-34), have taken a part-time job to maximize their cash flow. Canadians are also looking for better value. According to the survey, 96 per cent of respondents said that quality and better value for money was important (66 per cent very important) to them. While 65 per cent rated lower cost/fees as being very important, 52 per cent wanted a company with a solid reputation. Fifty-nine per cent valued a predictable fee that did not change month to month and 32 per cent thought receiving something above and beyond the product or service was very important. “People want quality products and services at an affordable price, and to feel they are being rewarded for their business,” said Chris Barber, director, Personal Banking. “With that in mind, for the first time, RBC is offering our account holders the opportunity to receive RBC Reward points when they open selected bank accounts. We also offer accounts with predictable fees and an opportunity to earn free banking services through our Multi Product Rebate feature.” If a new or existing client opens or upgrades to the RBC Signature No Limit Banking, RBC VIP Banking or RBC No Limit Banking for Students account from May 1 to August 31, they can earn up to 15,000 RBC Rewards points, depending on the account they open. For more information on how to qualify for the rewards, please visit www.rbcroyalbank.com/expectmore. These are some of the findings of poll conducted by Ipsos Reid from April 23 to 27, 2009. This online survey of 1,024 Canadians was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos Reid’s national online panel. The results of this poll are based on a sample where quota sampling and weighting are employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to Census data. Quota samples with weighting from the Ipsos online panel provide results that are intended to approximate a probability sample. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls, however, an unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100 per cent response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of ± 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had the entire adult population of Canada been polled.
From the Publisher’s Desk … Welcoming the new school year
By Krishni Loganathan, BA (Hons) Political Science, History It’s almost September and that means its back to school for many students, of all ages, headed back to the classroom after a summer off. It is now time to get back to the gruelling routine of homework, assignments and tests. As many are not entirely looking forward to another year of school, some are taking advantage of a new school year by starting fresh and having a clean slate to work with. New goals are set out for the term and strived to be achieved throughout the school year. As the new school year draws closer parents of children beginning school for the first time have an important decision to make. To choose a child’s first school is a very important decision to make as it is the stepping stone to the educational ladder. By choosing an institution that does not motivate the child or provide the child with extra curricular activities may lead to a less success rate for the child overall. Many parents choose their homes close to excellent schools in order to provide their children with an opportunity for a better education, although it is up to the child to take advantage of this educational system and learning opportunities. It is difficult at first for children to adjust to new neighbourhoods and schools once they first move in, but as time goes on their ability to make new friends and adapt to their new environments become easier. Becoming involved in afterschool activities or sports teams is a great way to make the shift to a new school effortless as classmates with the same interests have an easier time becoming friends. Parents of young children are not the only ones that have difficult decisions to make about their child’s education. Parents of teenagers that are now moving on to high school also have an important decision to make. The high school that their child goes to may be the last form of schooling before their child embarks in a post-secondary school or even straight into the working world. After high school new decisions must be made on their path of adult hood, whether it is what university to attend or what career to follow. Parents whom once answered every question that their child posed and made every decision that had to be made, now move to the sidelines to watch as their child now begins to live in the real world where mistakes happen and support is not around 24/7. The reality which is not sugar coated and is not given second chances is what these young adults move towards. It is now up to the parents to observe the training that they provided and step back to let their children make their own decisions. Mistakes are bound to happen, but it is now up to the child to grow from them. Not everyone is however given a chance to choose which school they want their child to go to or even the opportunity for an education system all together. The educational system in the developing world lacks the same structure as many people take for granted here. Poverty plays a vital role in the limitations of education and the opportunities for growth. “Poverty, like conflict, today continues to deprive young people of the opportunity and right to be educated,” says UN Under- Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Kiyo Akasaka. It is up to those enrolled in the educational system to take advantage of their opportunity and create awareness for those that lack this same chance. To those that are embarking on a new chapter of their life, and those that are continuing to an old one, congratulations to you all for succeeding thus far. It takes dedication, hard work and commitment to achieve all that you have, and on behalf of the Monsoon Journal family we wish you all success in your future endeavours!
Sri Lanka separates two baby jumbos from their mothers
Animal rights activists have filed a petition in Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court to reverse the removal of two baby elephants from an elephant “orphanage” recently. Environmentalists say that the elephants were taken from their mother while they were still suckling. The government says there is a shortage of elephants for religious processions. The Sathwa Mithrayo rights group spokeswoman Sagarika Karaunananayake argues that the government’s constitutional requirement to safeguard and develop Buddhism in the island should not be at the expense of rare wild animals. Sri Lankan cabinet minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa earlier explained the reasons for handing them over to the temple. He said the temple, which is the headquarters for some prominent Buddhist monastic chapters, was the centre of a social, cultural and religious renaissance in Sri Lanka. “There is a severe shortage of tamed elephants which take part in religious processions,” Mr Yapa is quoted by the government’s information department as saying. “The ministry of sports and public recreation decided to gift two baby elephants from Pinnawela elephant orphanage for the purpose.”
Selvarasa Pathmanathan ‘illegally abducted’
The Tigers’ new leader, Selvarasa Pathmanathan, is no longer at large. A statement by LTTE says they believe he was not arrested, as the Sri Lankan government says, but illegally abducted from a hotel in Kuala Lumpur. They suspect that this was carried out by Sri Lanka’s military intelligence, supported by parts of the Malaysian establishment. And they call on Malaysia to give further details, saying that if there are none available, there should be an inquiry. Malaysia’s prime minister has said he can’t confirm or deny reports of an arrest on its soil.
Global Tamil Forum launched
Global Tamil Forum (GTF), consisting of several Tamil organizations around the globe has been formed to speak with one voice on the plight of Tamils, according to a news release about the inaugural. A press release on the inauguration further states: The GTF will evolve as an independent, international organization which adheres to the principles of democracy and non-violence and derives its strength from existing grassroots organizations of the Tamil Diaspora. Working in solidarity with the Tamils in Eelam and other communities in Sri Lanka, the GTF will strive to restore Tamil People’s right to self-determination and democratic self rule in their traditional homeland in the island of Sri Lanka. The immediate goal of GTF will be to address the plight of the Tamils interned in the camps and have their resettlement in their homes and villages expedited by generating international pressure upon the Government of Sri Lanka. The GTF will also explore avenues to bring the perpetrators of crimes against humanity to justice. Tamil organizations from all five continents are represented in the GTF and have joined hands to further this mission. On the web: http://globaltamilforum. org
The Armenian community centre to receive
The Armenian Community Centre of Toronto will benefit from a joint federal and provincial investment of $2,000,000, which will go towards the rehabilitation of the centre, under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC) announced by Bob Dechert, MP Mississauga Erindale and David Caplan, MPP for Don Valley East. “Our government is proud to support recreational infrastructure,” said Dechert. “Investments in these types of projects stimulate the economy, enhance local facilities and services and foster vibrant, dynamic communities. This is truly wonderful news for the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto,” said Dechert. “The McGuinty government is pleased to support the Armenian Community Centre as it helps build a more inclusive and welcoming province for us all.” Caplan said. “For over 30 years the Centre has served the Armenian community in the GTA - totalling over 30,000 people- and I’m pleased that this funding will help renew, expand and upgrade the facilities here at the Centre.” “The Armenian Community Centre of Toronto is used by many residents of the GTA. It has been scheduled for major renovation. This funding will expedite that renovation and create much needed jobs now.” said the President of the Armenian Community Centre, Mr. Ara Kerjikian. Gerry Phillips MPP for Scarborough-Agincourt joined MP Dechert, MPP Caplan, Centre President and other members of the Armenian Community Centre this evening to celebrate the funding announcement. “The Armenian Community Centre has been a very active facility providing great services to the community. This funding will help the Centre continue to play this important role,” said Phillips. “The McGuinty Government continues to work in partnership with our communities and the federal government to renew and improve our recreational space in Toronto,” said Brad Duguid, MPP Scarborough Centre. “The funding to this community centre will realize short term economic benefits and in the long run, provide an up to date facility that will continue to provide top notch services.” This is part of 758 projects announced on June 26th by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, and Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Leona Dombrowsky, on behalf of George Smitherman, Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, worth a total joint federal and provincial investment of more than $380 Million. These programs were designed to provide a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to existing recreational infrastructure. Beyond economic stimulus and job creation, renewing, rehabilitating and modernizing our recreational infrastructure has the additional benefit of encouraging higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building. Projects were selected on the basis of merit and construction readiness.
New physician to lead infectious diseases team Medical microbiologist and infectious diseases consultant joins Rouge Valley
The latest physician to join Rouge Valley Health System’s (RVHS) medical group will lead the infectious diseases team, and continue with the hospital’s commitment to preventing and effectively treating infectious diseases, including the H1N1 virus. Dr. Abdelbaset Belhaj is the new infectious diseases consultant and medical director of the infection prevention and control team. Beginning in August, the physician, who is also a medical microbiologist, will see patients at both hospital campuses: Rouge Valley Centenary (RVC) in east Toronto, and Rouge Valley Ajax and Pickering (RVAP) in west Durham region. “The infection control team at Rouge Valley is thrilled at the addition of Dr. Belhaj. With his background as a medical microbiologist and expertise in infectious diseases, he will be a real asset to both our program and patients,” says Tricia Root, director of infection prevention and control at Rouge Valley. “As an infectious diseases specialist, I also believe that he will be a great help to our other physicians.” Dr. Belhaj’s role at RVHS is unique because of his background as a medical microbiologist, and because of his dedicated role as an infectious diseases specialist. In addition to his role as medical director, Dr. Belhaj will be consulted on in-patient issues, and will begin seeing out-patients in his infectious diseases clinic at RVC in September. “Dr. Belhaj will play an important role here at RVHS, and he will prove to be a benefit to both our medical team and to our patients. Delivering quality patient care remains our priority, and the addition of Dr. Belhaj will allow us to further that commitment,” agrees Sonia Peczeniuk, vice president, medical affairs and clinical support. Dr. Belhaj is eager to begin his new role at RVHS, and is excited about playing an integral role with the hospital’s infection prevention and control program. “I am pleased to be taking on this leadership role at Rouge Valley, and I look forward to being a part of the excellent team of physicians here,” says Dr. Belhaj. The married father of two young children recently relocated to Pickering with his family. One of Dr. Belhaj’s biggest roles will be helping to rollout the hospital’s pandemic plan. RVHS has taken a proactive, measured approach in dealing with infectious diseases — such as the H1N1 virus — at both of its hospital campuses. Dr. Belhaj will help the hospital to continue its efforts to successfully treat patients, and to educate both staff and patients on this virus. He will also be providing physician leadership on antibiotic stewardship. Dr. Belhaj joins infectious diseases specialists Dr. Ian Kitai, Dr. Ashley Roberts and Dr. Michael Silverman, a group already known for infectious diseases leadership and expertise. Dr. Kitai and Dr. Roberts, who are also paediatricians, will continue to provide infectious diseases support and consultations to paediatric patients. Dr. Belhaj and Dr. Silverman will focus on providing infectious diseases consultations to adult patients. Dr. Belhaj is originally from Libya and fluent in Arabic. After attending medical school at Al Fateh University in Libya, and further studies at Khoms Teaching Hospital and Almergeb University — also in Libya — Dr. Belhaj came to Canada in 2004. From 2004 to 2009, Dr. Belhaj was part of McMaster University ’s medical microbiology program, rotating between the McMaster University Medical Centre; Hamilton General Hospital ; St. Joseph ’s Healthcare and Henderson General Hospital , all in Hamilton . During his time in Hamilton, Dr. Belhaj immersed himself in the city’s various community-based organizations dedicated to infection prevention and control. He was previously a member of Hamilton ’s Infection Control Committee, the Central South Infection Control Network Steering Committee, and the Antibiotic Subcommittee of the Hamilton Health Science Centre. As a member of these organizations, Dr. Belhaj helped to provide guidance to local hospitals and long-term care facilities on infection prevention and control issues, and helped to provide guidelines for the treatment of infections.